“May I ask one more question?” the inspector enquired.
The two men had seemed somewhat startled at Josephine’s blunt honesty. “We do appreciate everything you’ve told us,” the inspector said. “Of course, we have more interviews to conduct. Your candid recitation of events should be an enormous help. We will want to send a team out to unearth the victim’s remains. Have we your permission to do so?”
“Absolutely,” Josephine agreed. “Dr. Drew and Radcliffe can lead you to the proper place.”
“Have you any objection to our speaking to your daughter, Estelle? She is under age and will require parental consent to be interviewed.”
“Interview her to your hearts’ content. I only ask that you be quite skeptical of anything she says.”
The detectives did not respond to Josephine’s warning. “Thank you, Lady Josephine. We do wish you a speedy recovery and undoubtedly will see you again. Scotland Yard will be involved in the case too, but there doesn’t appear to be any need for them to interview you until your discharge from hospital.”
“Elisabeth and I stayed up the remainder of the night, during which the murder took place, scrubbing my bedroom of the copious amounts of blood. I think all of my information covers what took place quite thoroughly.”
* * *
After the two men left the room, Josephine considered asking if a telephone could be brought to her room, but she was certain such a request would not be honoured, primarily because it was probably impossible. She wondered if Radcliffe, Elisabeth, Tom, and Roderick would tell the truth, as she had.
They didn’t. Radcliffe tried to take the blame for the murder. He told the authorities he’d heard a commotion in Josephine’s suite and had gone to her door. Instead of knocking, he said that he’d opened it and found Oliver in the midst of the assault. He went on to say that he had collected the knife when Oliver dropped it on the floor beside the bed in his sexual fervor and had committed the murder. He further said that it was he alone who had buried Oliver.
Tom said that he and his wife had known nothing about the entire affair until Josephine came to them about her pregnancy. It was an obvious attempt to protect Elisabeth.
Roderick told the truth, as he knew it. He related the conversation he’d had with his niece after the awful assault was over. The old man did say that he totally believed Josephine, and that he’d never in his life known her to lie.
That left Estelle. She held firm to her original story. The girl could act so exasperatingly innocent. By the time she was interrogated, it was Scotland Yard who conducted the interview. Her wide open, green eyes with tears streaming from them made it difficult for the authorities not to believe her–especially when all other witnesses’ stories didn’t match. Since by that time, the vicar’s name had been brought into the picture, he too was brought in for questioning.
The poor man was unbelievably embarrassed. No one could blame him. He was young and extremely good-looking. Having graduated from Cambridge and then the London University School of Theology, he had only recently been given his first assignment as Vicar of St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Winthrop-on-Hart. He had quite blond hair and intensely pale blue eyes. In addition, he was tall with a masculine build. His smile was said to attract a great many of the women in the village who had previously been Catholics but had chosen to be confirmed as Anglicans the moment Father Comer arrived on the scene. His name was Sebastian Comer. He was unmarried. Of course, Anglican Vicars are allowed to marry–unlike Catholic priests. Undoubtedly many young ladies hoped to win his love. It was difficult for the investigators to believe that Father Comer could possibly have become enamoured with Estelle.
“Father Comer, is there any truth to the story given by Lady Estelle regarding her activities with you in the chapel?” Inspector Secrest asked.
“Sir, I haven’t heard her recitation of the facts as she presented them, so I cannot say with certainty. However, if she has given you information implying that I was in some way sexually interested in her, of course the answer is rubbish.”
Inspector Secrest raised his brow. “She did imply such a thing. I must also tell you that she was very explicit with the details she presented.”
“That doesn’t necessarily surprise me. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but in my own opinion, there is something ghastly wrong with that young lady. I’m aware that she is cognizant of much more than the average girl her age about sexual matters. I can also tell you that she is a fearful liar. I am well-acquainted with her. It would be difficult for me not to be. She shows up in my office at the church nearly every afternoon. In the beginning, I made honest attempts to be kind to her. I presumed she had some sort of problem and felt the need to discuss it with me. She was so young, it seemed unlikely that it could be anything serious, although one never knows. However, that wasn’t her purpose in visiting me.”
“What was her purpose, Father?”
“It is my suspicion that she had it in her mind to lure me. Believe me, that would have been absolutely impossible. Obviously, she is only a child. I cannot imagine where a young lady that age could possibly have the thoughts which I suspect she did, indeed, have.”
“She is seven years of age, Father. Men have been known to become involved with girls that age.”
“Not this man, Inspector. I take my vows seriously and certainly didn’t spend all of the years I did studying theology to throw away my chance to be a vicar. I am not a pervert, if that is what you are implying, and I don’t mind telling you that I resent your words.”
“What gave you the notion that Lady Estelle was of a mind to seduce you?”
“Initially, she directly asked if I wore knickers under my vestment. I don’t recall ever being so shocked. She continued by making a request to put her hand underneath my cassock. Of course, I told her no in an exceptionally strong voice. The girl is evil. I do not make use of that word frequently. I am an Anglican, not a Catholic. I do not believe in exorcism. However, this young lady–and I use the word lady’ advisedly–is greatly troubled. I know the family, and they are fine people. I understand, however, that she has made an assertion that her true father was the Earl of Winthrop's brother, whom I never knew. His name was Oliver, and according to Estelle, her mother had an affaire with him. I highly doubt the truth of such a statement. Lady Josephine, as I understand, denies this with all of her heart and swears that Oliver raped her. She is one of the finest ladies I have ever had the pleasure to know. Oliver was serving time in prison on kidnapping charges from what I have heard. The rape accusation makes much more sense to me.”
Father Comer reached up and scratched his head. He then excused himself, taking a sip of water. “If indeed it is true that Oliver is Estelle’s biological father, perhaps she takes after him. I am not a physician, nor a person well-versed in that field of study known as psychology. It might be valuable for you to interview such an individual.”
The detectives took notes during the entire interview. Later, both were inclined to believe everything Father Comer had said. They considered his advice regarding an interview with someone trained in psychology. However, they were personally unfamiliar with anyone of that sort. Both had heard the name Sigmund Freud, undoubtedly the most well-known individual in that field. Unfortunately, he did not live in Great Britain but in Austria.
The men were so intrigued with the prospect that this revolutionary field of medicine might hold a key to the case they were investigating, they decided to enquire about the possibility of such a professional practicing in Great Britain. Their investigation led them to Maudsley Hospital in London, which had a small division dedicated to Child Psychiatry. When the Maudsley Hospital opened in February 1923, that small department for the treatment of children under Dr. D. W. Dawson began its operation. The detectives learned that the first physicians who worked in the children's department at The Maudsley employed a wide array of practical approaches to the treatment of mental illness in children. They ranged from dream interpretation
and dietary supplements, to drug treatment and sensory deprivation.
On admission to The Maudsley, every child was administered a thorough physical examination. An account of the child's early history, particularly noting any traumas or shocks to the nervous system in the form of frights, major injuries, or infections was conducted. Any signs of mental illness in relatives were also a cause for concern due to the theory of hereditary transmission.
The decision was made to have Estelle thoroughly evaluated at the institution. She was brought to London by her mother, Lady Josephine, and was put through the extremely thorough protocol. Aside from the possibility that she had inherited traits from her biological father, the personnel who evaluated her did question whether the child had ever been sexually abused.
Josephine was horrified. “Of course, nothing of the sort has ever taken place at Winthrop Manor,” she stated with anger in her voice.
“We simply have to ask any question that might be relevant to the result of test interpretations,” one of the physicians replied.
Most children referred to The Maudsley came from working-class homes. Many lived in squalid conditions. They were usually noted as being in poor general health and were often malnourished. This was certainly not the case with Estelle. It was also discovered that the majority of children studied at The Maudsley were expected to carry out household tasks at home and as a result, didn’t attend school regularly. Those who were at school were often well below the general school standards.
Again, this was not the situation with Estelle. In fact, her grades had always been superior to those of her classmates, and education had been stressed in her home, beginning with her nanny. In several cases, it was discovered that adults or older siblings who were supposed to be caring for the children had sexually assaulted them. After speaking with Josephine, they were convinced that there was absolutely no evidence of such a thing having occurred in the Winthrop case.
It was finally determined by a team of physicians that there had been substantial alteration in Estelle’s behaviour since early 1930, when she was four. Violent temper tantrums, screaming, kicking and swearing, as well as sneaking about, inappropriate interest in sexual matters, extreme lying, depression, and violent behaviour at times. All had been displayed at various times. She had also demonstrated aggression towards other children. The doctors also noted nail biting, antagonism to her family–especially Josephine, Susan, and Aunt Elisabeth, which was followed by extreme, prolonged sobbing. Josephine couldn’t help but be aware that this would have been the time when Estelle had learned that Oliver was her father. Was she responsible for Estelle’s repugnant behavior, because she had blurted out the truth about the rape? She did not mention that incident to the professionals at The Maudsley, and their conclusion was that while all of the child’s behaviour was interesting, none led to any sort of specific diagnosis other than that she suffered from a “behavioural disorder of unknown origin.”
Anglican services were held each Sunday in the chapel at Winthrop Manor with Father Comer officiating. After they were over, he was always invited to share the noon dinner at Winthrop Manor. Nannies were never treated as other members of the staff, and Hope had always been invited to participate in the Sunday repast. Those occasions grew in importance for both her and the vicar.
After the lovely noonday dinner was finished, Father Comer and Hope had begun to enjoy a stroll in the gardens on warm days or have a conversation by the drawing room fire in colder instances. They had begun to look forward to such meetings. One night, after prolonged weeks, the two found themselves seated side-by-side sipping delicious, freshly brewed tea following the evening meal.
“Sebastian,” Hope asked. “Have you reached a conclusion about this wicked investigation regarding Estelle?”
“Not completely. As I stated at the outset, I remain quite fearful in my belief that Estelle is utterly immoral. The entire episode appears to stem from both Estelle and her father being outright evil. My reasoning may sound rather simple, but it’s truly the only explanation that makes any sense.”
“I tend to agree with you,” murmured Hope. “It’s all been so terribly vile. What do you suppose will come of the investigation?”
“In the end, it is beyond my conception that Lady Josephine or anyone else could be found responsible for murder.”
Hope shivered. “What an ugly word.”
“Yes, it is. Unfortunately, we live in an unpleasant world at times,” he replied. “Still, I believe it will be resolved in the end. I shouldn't worry unnecessarily.”
“I know, and I’m making every effort not to. However, if I’m honest, the matter is never far from my mind.”
“I understand,” he replied. “That’s only natural.”
“I’m truly thankful that I’ve had you throughout this nightmare. You cannot know the solace you’ve brought.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me. Er, not to change the subject, but at some time in the future does the possibility exist that you might agree to walk out for an evening with me? I thought perhaps we might dine somewhere and take in a film?”
“Oh, Sebastian, of course. I’d love that. How thoughtful of you.”
“The honour would be all mine.” He smiled and his intense blue eyes held a glow.
“We’ll set a date sometime very soon,” she said. “It’s been so long since something of this nature has presented itself.”
“Quite,” he answered. “What would you think of next Saturday?”
“Perfect.”
He pulled her close to him on the sofa. “I feel I must say what I’m thinking. You’ve made me very happy.”
She stared into his extraordinary eyes, and after only a few seconds they kissed. Not a passionate kiss but not brotherly either. “I care for you a good deal. Am I frightening you with such a declaration?”
“No, I feel precisely the same way.”
He kissed her again. “I anticipate something wonderful resulting from our friendship,” he whispered.
“Yes. Yes, so do I.”
Chapter Fifteen
After Estelle was released from hospital, everyone at Winthrop Manor hoped and prayed they would see a change in the girl. Unfortunately, their prayers went unanswered. She had healed quite nicely in spite of her rather serious wounds, but she walked with a slight stoop caused from the spinal injury. The physicians did hold out hope for further improvement. There had been also been fervent anticipation that the analysis at Maudsley might have uncovered the reason for her unseemly behaviour. However, it had not done so.
Nothing stopped her usual malevolent, vicious behaviour. The girl had an uncanny ability to sense what was happening in the house even before a word had been spoken. The only time she appeared to act normally was when she spent time with Andy, Vera, or Winnie. Andy was, of course, not at home often, and now even he no longer believed that she was the product of stories that the family invented. Thus, Josephine decided to talk with Vera and her companion, Winnie, regarding Estelle.
She knocked on Vera’s apartment door and Winnie opened it. Josephine smiled, as she was invited into the attractive rooms where Vera spent the majority of her time. “Winnie, I need to speak with Vera, alone, if you don’t have any objection,” Josephine said.
“Certainly not, Lady Josephine. I’m sure Mrs. Whitaker would love to spend some time with you. I’ll make my way downstairs to the kitchen and visit with Mrs. Boyle. Please summon me when you require my presence.” With that, Winnie exited the rooms.
Vera was sitting by the large window overlooking the fountains and gardens behind Winthrop Manor.
Josephine reached out and took both of Vera’s hands in hers. “How are you feeling today? It’s lovely to see you.”
“Oh, Lady Josephine. Yes, it’s always splendid to see you,” replied Vera. “I so enjoy company. I wish Win would visit more often. Is he awfully busy with his duties now that he is the earl?”
Josephine had to struggle to hold back tears.
Win had been Vera’s most beloved member of the family. Obviously, she no longer remembered that he’d lost his life. Josephine would never have done or said anything to sadden Vera, so she simply nodded in reply.
“I’m so happy that Estelle visits me frequently,” Vera continued. “She is a lovely girl.”
“Yes, well, it’s Estelle whom I wish to speak with you about, Vera. She appears to be extremely fond of you, and yet the rest of the household finds her very difficult to deal with.”
“Oh no,” Vera nearly shouted. “Estelle is a wonderful girl. She is so filled with questions about life. I’m happy to be the person she comes to for answers. I feel like a grandmother to her.”
“What sort of questions? What sort of answers?” Josephine frowned.
“Oh, the sort all girls ask at her age,” Vera answered.
“I’m not certain I understand,” Josephine remarked. “Can you be more specific?”
“I can’t recall right now. Perhaps they will come to me. I find that I can’t remember things like I once did.”
“Yes, well, we all tend to get that way as we grow older,” said Josephine.
“It does seem to me that she wanted to know about the things men and women do and how babies are made.”
“Can you remember how old she was when she asked such questions?” Josephine commented.
“Not off hand, Miss Josephine. Awhile ago, I’m thinking.”
“That would mean she was awfully young. She’s only seven now. That seems quite young to be interested in such matters. However, you don’t know exactly what her questions were?”
“Um, well perhaps. I think she wanted to know why men and women would do–oh you know–the thing that causes babies.”
“Yes. It’s called intercourse, Vera.”
“Yes, I guess so.”
“Do you remember your answer to her question?”
War Comes Home to Winthrop Manor: An English Family Saga (Winthrop Manor Series Book 2) Page 14